Home
Freebies
Cheapies
Abandonware
MMOs
Non-games
Notes
Sources
Links
Gaming on the Cheap!

Massively Multiplayer games (MMOs)

Wait a sec. What's a game style that costs you monthly doing here? Well, it's worth looking at for a good source of gaming value! Really, think about it - hitting a movie alone can run ten bucks, without buying food or drinks. And that lasts for maybe two hours. With an MMO, you get a month's entertainment for that, and it's constantly upgraded.

The monthly fee

Yes, the fee scares some people off, and seems like it would go against the idea of "cheap." But I've been playing one, City of Heroes Architect Edition (though an earlier version) for years now, and I can't say I regret it in the least. It's continually improved and updated to the point where it's almost its own sequel. Other MMOs are the same way - and often, after the initial rush - are dropped down in price. Entertainment wise, it's a good value.

The Freebies

Of course, some MMOs have evolved a somewhat different model. They'll let you run around in the "real" game - though on a limited basis in some way - for free. No initial cost, no monthly fee. They might limit your maximum level, or where you can get to, or survive through microtransactions (want a gold infusion, a nifty weapon or the like? Just pay $5-$20 and it's delivered.) There are many varied models - and these shouldn't be confused with trials. All in all, MMOs are worth looking at.